Dance and Music of Gujarat

Gujarat has been successful in preserving its rich tradition of song, dance and drama. The state is known for its popular folk dances like Ras, Garba, Garbi, Rasaka, Tippani, Padhar-Nritya,and Dangi-Nritya.

Folk drama in Gujarat is known as Bhavai. Most of the art traditions trace back their origin to the ancient period of Lord Krishna.

The contribution of Gujarat to the Indian traditional music is no less encouraging. There are several ragas named after various regions of the state – Gujaqri Todi, Bilaval (from Veraval), Sorathi, (from Sorath), Khambavati (from Khambhat, Cambay), Ahiri and Lati. These ragas are valuable gifts to the Indian classical music.

Apart from classical music the state also preserves a wide array of folk music and song in its pure and pristine forms. The people make their own folk instruments like Turi, Bungal, Pava, String type Ravan Hattho, Ektaro, and Jantar, percussion type like Manjira, and Zanz,pot drun..